The 8 Best Rain Pants for Hiking in 2024
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Fickle Mother Nature sometimes has other plans in mind on the days you’re scheduled to bike, fish, hike, hunt or otherwise enjoy the open air. But any hardcore outdoors enthusiast knows that you can’t let something as regular as rain dampen your spirits (plus, that deposit you dropped to golf at Pinehurst No. 2 is non-refundable). As they say in Germany, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.
If you’d rather plow forward with your plans than take a rain check, staying as dry as possible will be key to actually enjoying yourself, and the best rain pants can keep you moisture-free and healthy. Indeed, the idea that you can catch a cold from the rain isn’t 100 percent an old wives tale, although the cause is indirect: When wet clothes cause your body temperature to cool, the phenomenon can hinder your immune response to fight viruses.
Fortunately, gone are the days of cumbersome and restrictive rain gear. Brands are embracing lightweight materials and practical designs, allowing you enough freedom of movement to focus on the thrill of the hunt or draining a tricky putt. Bulkier designs are fading out and sleeker, more style-forward rain pants are taking the spotlight, which is great news for just about everyone.
So, if you're ready to take your outdoor activities to the next level and bid farewell to swampy clothes, it’s time to invest in the best rain pants that’ll let you embrace the elements from high humidity to a Pacific Northwest downpour. Later, we’ll also explain the qualities we sought out when compiling our picks for top-notch rain pants:
Our Picks for the Best Rain Pants:
- Best Rain Pants for Women: Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants
- Best Rain Pants for Men: Columbia Men's Rebel Roamer Rain Pants
- Best Golf Rain Pants for Women: adidas RAIN.RDY PANTS
- Best Golf Rain Pants for Men: Callaway Mens StormGuard Water-Resistant Golf Pant
- Best Rain Pants for Hiking: REI Co-op Trailmade Rain Pants
- Best Lightweight Rain Pants: MARMOT PreCip Eco Full Zip Pant
- Best Rain Pants for Cycling: Amazon Fashion Showers Pass Transit Pant
- Best Rain Pants for Tennis: Lululemon Lightweight Tennis Mid-Rise Track Pants
Best Rain Pants for Women: Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants
Patagonia
Key Features:
- Materials: 100 percent recycled nylon, polycarbonate polyurethane membrane, durable water repellent (DWR) coating finish
- Sizes: XS–2XL
- Colors: Black
- Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Pockets: Yes, two
- Price: $129
The Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell Rain Pants are a staple of sporty and outdoorsy retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Half-Moon Outfitters and REI—one reviewer heaped praise for the pants on the outdoor retailer’s website: “Fantastic! I am a bike commuter, and they have kept me bone dry this winter. And they can be recycled at the end of their life! Love Patagonia!” Another reviewer on REI’s website who uses the pants for cycling and hiking said the pants were “well made with good materials.”
The pair of rain pants use a three-layer shell fabric, representing an upgrade from the previous construction. Patagonia says the added layer ensures utility and durability for the more rugged backcountry and top-of-mountain conditions. The pants are ultralight (less than 11 ounces) and can be stuffed like a sleeping bag into its own stow pocket, with attachments for clipping the pants onto the external cords or carabiner loops on your hiking backpack.
The Torrentshell Rain Pants are also available in a shorter length, which addresses one of the chief complaints about the pants being too long. For a completely sleek look, pair your pants with the Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket.
Pros:
- Materials are subject to rigorous waterproof performance standards by Patagonia
- Elastic waistband for seamless changing in and out
- Soft internal facing fabric for added comfort
- Articulated knees for extra mobility
Cons:
- Some found even the shorter version of the pants to be too long
Best Rain Pants for Men: Columbia Men's Rebel Roamer Rain Pants
Columbia
Key Features:
- Materials: 100 percent nylon
- Sizes: XS–2XL
- Colors: Black
- Weight: 12.5 ounces
- Pockets: No
- Price: $60
Columbia offers a men’s fit rain pant at an unusually competitive price ($60) with its Rebel Roamer. And the pants don’t compromise quality because of their affordability: 255 out of 275 (93 percent) reviewers recommend the Rebel Roamer pants, which average 4.5 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews noted the pants’ ability to keep them dry, and many found their lightweight and nimble construction ideal for movement. “The best lightweight gear I have found to keep dry in inclement weather,” said one reviewer. Another wrote on Columbia’s website that it held up when hunting in four inches of rain, and on commercial fishing trips, adding that “every person in my family has at least one pair.”
Another buyer, a hiker, wrote that the pants were easy to take on and off during heavy rain and that the pants kept them dry and warm. In fact, getting overly warm from the pants tended to be the only complaint. That, and the lack of pockets, although that is unfortunately not an atypical feature of rain pants since pockets are a potential weak point for leakage. The pants come in both a standard and a larger size, which goes up to 6X.
Pros:
- Pants add insulating warmth
- Super lightweight for packing
- One of the most budget-friendly options
Cons:
- Lesser breathability and ventilation compared to some
- No openings to access pockets, or attached stuff sack to pack pants
Best Golf Rain Pants for Women: adidas RAIN.RDY PANTS
adidas
Key Features:
- Materials: 100 percent recycled polyester interlock
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Colors: Black
- Weight: Not listed
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $180
Adidas has long been a household athletic brand, with everything from football and soccer cleats to workout hoodies. The brand’s sleek look, comfortable fit and sleek design makes its products suitable for just about anyone. The classic adidas style is perfect to rock on a rainy day on any golf course, whether you’re dressing to impress or just trying to be comfortable—all while staying dry, of course.
Reviewers universally praised the comfort of the pants, while noting the rain pants kept them dry. “Great fit. Soft material. Very comfortable. Wore them out in snowy weather and kept dry. Love these pants,” was feedback left by one purchaser on the adidas website. Another reviewer said the pants boasted “great style,” were “light and soft to wear” and easy to wear over other pants. Like its signature track pants, the ankle zippers allow you to throw the pants on quickly without having to untie your golf shoes. And zippered pockets give you somewhere dry to store your scorecard. And we’ll note that although we recommend a brand more synonymous with golf in our pick for best golf rain pants for men, the men’s version of the RAIN.RDY pants also earned high praise from purchasers.
Pros:
- Breathable membrane and stretch fabric
- Stylish high-waist fit with cinch waistband
- Zippered pockets on sides
Cons:
- One of the priciest pairs of rain pants
Best Golf Rain Pants for Men: Callaway Mens StormGuard Water-Resistant Golf Pant
Callaway
Key Features:
- Materials: 50 percent recycled polyester, 50 percent polyester
- Sizes: S–3XL, with range of inseam lengths
- Colors: Black and navy
- Weight: Not listed
- Pockets: No
- Price: $150
If adidas is too edgy a style for the crowd you’re golfing with that day, Callaway offers a more classic course look that’s also water-resistant in the form of its StormGuard golf pants. One reviewer wrote that the pants kept them “warm and dry on a chilly, damp morning,” a sentiment echoed by other reviewers who don’t let rain clouds keep them off the green. The adjustable waistband helps you get a proper fit, although the brand suggests ordering a size down (something several reviewers echoed). Another review praised the adjustable nature of the fit: “I like to wear them over my golf pants and they worked great. Nice adjustable Velcro side straps for a nice fit.” The pants have pockets through which you can access your regular pants pockets underneath, and snap button closures allow you to loosen the pants to slip them over your golf shoes with ease.
Pros:
- Classic golf pants look that can be worn over a base layer or on their own
- Navy and black color options available
- Multiple options for length and inseam fit
Cons:
- One of the less budget-friendly options
Best Rain Pants for Hiking: REI Co-op Trailmade Rain Pants
REI
Key Features:
- Materials: Nylon and polyester
- Sizes: XS–3XL
- Colors: Black
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
- Pockets: One back pocket
- Price: $65
It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that you can find an excellent pair of hiking pants from REI, known to be a purveyor of outdoor gear from a host of brands. But it might surprise you that REI also has an excellent in-house line of apparel, including its Trailmade rain pants. “Super lightweight and packable,” a purchaser said, making them ideal to have on hand when hiking and trying to keep the load light. The Trailmade rain pants are also one of the top affordable options when it comes to being rain-ready from the waist down.
The leg zippers allow you to easily slip the Trailmade pants on and off with hiking boots on. While some reviewers bemoaned the lack of front pockets (the rain pants have one back pocket), for the price, it’s not a deal-breaker. And at 7.7 ounces, they’re also one of the lightest pairs you’ll find. You can embrace your love of nature with a forest green color, or opt for classic black for more versatility.
Pros:
- Fully waterproof but breathable
- Budget-friendly
- Green and black color options available
- Extremely lightweight
Cons:
- Knees could use some reinforcement for durability, reviewers said
- Not the best material to wick away sweat
Best Lightweight Rain Pants: MARMOT PreCip Eco Full Zip Pant
MARMOT
Key Features:
- Materials: 100 percent recycled nylon
- Sizes: S–2XL
- Colors: Black
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $75-100 (Depending on size)
At 12 ounces, throwing the Marmot PreCip Eco pants into your pack is like the weight equivalent of throwing in a can of Coke (although you should opt to take an electrolyte drink with you on a hike rather than soda, for the record). One five-star review said, “Lightweight, easy to hike in and waterproof. I wear these at work all the time in the morning when the brush is wet from dew or overnight rain.” The reviewer also added that unlike some other rain pants, “these are very easy to move in.” Another highlight of the pants: The ankle zips are more akin to shin zips, since they climb much higher up the leg than most pants, allowing the pants to slip over any type of shoe from svelte hiking sandals to bulky rain boots.
One double-edged sword of the pants: The mesh-lined hand pockets offer some ventilation, but you also risk water leakage if you unzip them, reviewers said.
Pros:
- Ultralight rain pants that still offer solid weather protection
- Machine washable
- Excellent price for value
Cons:
- Some reviewers reported sizing issues
Best Rain Pants for Cycling: Showers Pass Transit Pant
Showers
Key Features:
- Materials: 100 percent polyester
- Sizes: Small and large
- Colors: Black
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $65
Amazon’s fashion influence has come a long way: In 2002 Amazon was vastly outpaced by its own apparel partners, but by 2022, Amazon had developed its clothing brand enough to open a brick-and-mortar store. While its clothes get mixed reviews from fashionistas, cyclists overwhelmingly praise Amazon Fashion’s Showers Pass Transit pants. And rain pants are a huge necessity for cycling; between cars, jaywalkers and potholes, cyclists have enough hazards to deal with. You don’t want to add being wet to the mix. “Great pants, I like how easy they are to slip on and off over cycling shoes,” wrote one reviewer, adding, “So far they are very waterproof and windproof. I would definitely purchase them again.” If you plan on wearing the pants over bulkier pants, consider going a size up. One reviewer called the fit “perfect” since it was tighter on the body, not baggy—exactly what you want in cycling pants.
Another biker said the pants did a good job regulating body temperature, calling them “the best that I’ve ever owned” after cycling through (pun intended) lots of rain gear over the years. The main drawback? “This stuff leaves you no excuse to be inside on a trainer,” they added.
Pros:
- Reflective white trim for visibility
- Unique velcro cinch straps
- Articulated knees for ease of movement
- Mesh stuff sack included
Cons:
- Some reviewers said pants weren’t breathable causing perspiration
- Only two sizes are available
Best Rain Pants for Tennis: lululemon Lightweight Tennis Mid-Rise Track Pant
Lululemon
Key Features:
- Materials: Nylon, polyester, elastane
- Sizes: 0-14
- Colors: White
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Pockets: Yes
- Price: $128
Lululemon made a name for itself with its high-quality, minimalist yoga apparel. The brand has since grown to outfit other athletic realms, including tennis. Wearing the Lightweight Tennis Mid-Rise Track Pant on the courts will keep you stylish and dry. Reviewers called the pants breathable in high humidity, thanks to mesh overlay fabric down the back and on the sides of the legs. Another reviewer said the pants were great for keeping their temperature regulated on a long flight. At the moment the pants are only available in white, although in the past lululemon furnished the track pants in a range of colors, which many commenters hoped would make a triumphant return.
Pros:
- Stylish, modern look to go from tennis to the on-the-town
- Roomy fit that makes pants excellent warm-up attire as well
- Reviewers said pants were ultra-comfy
Cons:
- Pants might too be long for those of shorter stature
- Water repellent but not fully waterproof
- Pants are fully lined but some still felt the white had a “see-through” appearance
What To Look For In Rain Pants
Any experienced outdoors person knows the importance of preparedness. And being ready head to toe for rain is a chief concern, especially if you’re heading into a temperate or tropical rainforest, where rain is more of an inevitability than a probability. These are some of the traits you should examine in any pair of rain pants you’re considering:
Water Resistance
Water resistance is a pretty obvious quality to seek in rain pants, but bears emphasizing. Look for wordage like “water-resistant” versus “waterproof.” Waterproof implies a greater degree of water protection, and typically involves “DWR coating,” or a durable water-repellent coating. Water resistance might be more than enough for your purposes if protection from lighter drizzles or short exposure is needed, rather than cover for heavy rain.
Weight
Rain pants are typically lightweight and easy to carry so you can stow them or summon them from your bag depending on what the sun is up to. Some models always come with their own stash bag to pack themselves into, which can then be clipped to the outside of your pack, adding minimal weight while usurping zero of the space inside your pack.
Comfort/Mobility
There’s no point in buying rain pants that are too restrictive to wear comfortably. Parse gear reviews for what reviewers have to say about the rain pants’ knees, especially with cycling pants. An “articulated knee” means more range of motion. If you want added versatility at the waistband, look for pants with a drawcord or drawstring for an adjustable fit.
Features
Zippers are a staple feature of rain pants, although their length will vary. Full-length zippers imply they’re the easiest pants to remove, although most have zippers run up to the ankles or lower legs. Pockets can compromise protection from moisture, so they’re not a given in rain pants. When rain pants do have pockets, they’re typically zippered as a precaution.
Breathability
You can risk overheating when sleeping on an otherwise cooling mattress when you buy a waterproof mattress protector, and for similar reasons you can risk overheating in stuffy rain pants. Why? Because waterproof materials aren’t necessarily breathable. Features like gusseted sides in an outer layer can add to the airflow and keep you cooler without compromising rain protection. Some rain pants also have side zippers you can open to stay cooler, although you may risk getting wet.
Durability
I’ve had plenty of hiking shoes with scuffs and pants with holes, but with rain pants, durability is much more important given that any abrasions in the pants will ruin the rain-protection appeal. Many of the top brands offer guarantees on durability with their warranty, and you can find a lot of valuable insight on how rugged the pants are from customer reviews. Waterproof and water-resistant materials tend to be pretty durable by nature, fortunately, but you’ll still want solid construction at the seams.
How We Chose the Best Rain Pants
Brand recognition was a pretty important factor: You don’t want to go with a drop-shipping, fast-fashion brand for something as important as rain paints. Instead, we parsed the selections of reputable brands like Patagonia, Marmot, Columbia and adidas. We looked for lightweight pants with waterproof materials (although we included a few that are merely water-resistant as well). The comfort of the pants as reported by consumers was another big consideration when wading into wet weather outdoor gear.
How To Choose the Best Rain Pants for You
Start by establishing exactly what you’ll be using the rain pants for, whether that’s hiking, biking or day-to-day use. Consider the key features of the rain pants, such as material (waterproof vs. water-resistant), breathability and whether lack of side pockets is a deal breaker. The pants’ weight and packability are other important factors, especially if you’re trying to thrive out of one small pack on your excursions. Reading customer feedback is one of the best ways to gauge if a pair of rain pants will be a good fit—figuratively and literally. Often, rain pants have unique sizing, and you may be advised to size up or down depending on whether you plan to wear the pants by themselves or over other pants.
FAQs on the Best Rain Pants
Do you wear anything under rain pants?
Depending on the style and fit the choice is yours, although most reviewers commented that they wore their rain pants as an outer layer over other pants.
Do rain pants go over or under boots?
Rain pants can go both over and under boots—it’s another matter of personal preference, by and large. However, some pants may be designed to be worth over or under boots, depending on the leg opening and whether adjustable zip or clasps are incorporated. Over boots is typically the more rugged way to go about wearing rain pants, while under boots is a more urban, streetwear-ready look.
Should you size up for rain pants?
Brands handle the matter of sizing up for rain pants individually, so check with the brand and the customer feedback. Often, pants are already “sized up,” because the assumption is you’ll be throwing them on over another pair of pants.
Can you machine wash rain pants?
Often the answer is no, you cannot machine wash rain pants. That’s because many pairs of rain pants have waterproofing laminates that can be damaged by a machine wash. Check with the brand or check the tag for specifics on how to get the pants clean without damaging them.
Final Thoughts
Nobody lives under the illusion that rain will never come. So rather than hope for the best, prepare for the worst by keeping gear on hand that allows you to interact with the elements rather than be battered by them. And while rain pants won’t make trekking up that mountain in the rain any easier (although chugging some pre-workout beforehand might), you can save yourself soggy-bottomed discomfort with the best rain pants. And if you tend to be fickle about the clothes you end up keeping when you order online, be sure to check the final sale status and return policy.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
